United Voice News
LHMU Requests Coronial Inquest into St John Ambulance Deaths
Kim Hames' announcement of a departmental review into St John Ambulance operations is inadequate and falls short of the necessary open inquiry needed to reassure the WA public.
“This is an insufficient and inappropriate response from the Health Minister given the position already taken by the Chief Medical Officer on St John’s operations,” said LHMU Assistant Secretary Carolyn Smith.
“In a written response to 4 Corners, St John Ambulance quoted Simon Towler, Chief Medical Officer as having complete confidence in their operations. We feel this review will be neither open nor independent.”
The Union has today written to the Coroner to formally request an inquest into the deaths of four people reported on Four Corners this week.
But Ms Smith says it’s unsatisfactory that it has been left up to the Union to act.
“On advice from our members we think it’s entirely appropriate that the Coroner investigate these incidents and others.”
“Only a Coronial inquest will truly examine the current operations of St John Ambulance and prevent further tragedies happening in WA.
“We don’t need another inquiry that doesn’t see the light of day ‘for reasons of commercial in confidence’. It is time to shine the light of the operations of St Johns Ambulance with a full and open Coronial Inquiry.”
